Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are uncomfortable bacterial illnesses that inflame the urinary system, which includes the bladder, urethra, ureters, and kidneys. They commonly arise when bacteria enter the body through the urethra and then multiply. While UTIs can affect anyone, women are more susceptible to this illness because they have short urethras that give bacteria an easier passage into the urinary system.

Understanding the Connection Between Alcohol and UTIs

Drinking too much alcohol can be hard on your body and may potentially contribute to UTIs or worsen their symptoms. The impact of alcohol on the urinary system can lead to dehydration, which makes it easier for bacteria to thrive and cause infections. Understanding the relationship between alcohol consumption and urinary health can help you take precautions, such as staying hydrated and moderating your drinking, to lower the chances of developing a UTI.

Can Alcohol Directly Cause a UTI?

It would be wrong to say that drinking alcohol causes UTIs since these infections are bacterial. Instead, it’s more accurate to say that drinking alcohol can increase your chances of getting a UTI or make your symptoms worse.

Drinking alcohol can affect your body in ways that can negatively impact your urinary system and indirectly contribute to UTIs. Alcohol can weaken your immunity and make it harder for the body to fight, heal, and recover from bacterial infections.

People react to alcohol in different ways, and some people may notice that their urinary systems seem to be more sensitive to its effects. If you drink regularly and notice that you’re experiencing more frequent or worsening UTI symptoms, try to drink more water and cut down on your alcohol consumption until the infection clears up. If your symptoms get worse, be sure to reach out to a healthcare professional for treatment.

How Alcohol Can Contribute to UTI Risk Factors

Alcohol use and UTI symptoms are linked by how drinking affects the body. Excessive alcohol consumption contributes to dehydration, affects bladder function, and weakens the immune system, which can increase the chance of developing urinary tract infections. In cases of alcohol abuse, the risk factors are even higher due to the body’s diminished ability to fight off infections. On the other hand, practicing moderate alcohol consumption and staying properly hydrated can help reduce these risks.

Alcohol’s Effect on Hydration

Alcohol is a diuretic that can increase urine production and dehydrate your body. As your hydration levels decrease, your urine can become more concentrated with waste materials. These substances can irritate your urethra, bladder, and urinary tract and make your urinary system more hospitable to infectious bacteria. They can also worsen symptoms like frequent and painful urination that accompany a UTI.

When you’re drinking alcohol, drink enough water to stay hydrated. This will also help flush out toxins and help keep your urinary tract healthy, which is essential to UTI prevention.

Alcohol’s Effect on the Bladder

Alcohol can irritate the bladder lining, leading to inflammation and discomfort and potentially increasing the risk of UTIs. It can physically affect the bladder by suppressing the urge to urinate, causing delayed urination overstretching. Paradoxically, alcohol can also inhibit the release of antidiuretic hormone (ADH), which can increase urine flow, contribute to dehydration, and strain the urinary system.

Since people’s responses to alcohol can vary, alcohol can have a range of effects on bladder function. Nevertheless, people who currently have bladder problems or frequently get UTIs may find that alcohol worsens their symptoms.

Alcohol’s Effect on the Immune System

Your body’s immune system defends it against infections like UTIs and other illnesses. Drinking too much alcohol can damage your T cells and suppress your immune function, which makes it harder for your body to fight off UTI-causing bacteria.

Binge drinking or chronic heavy drinking can reduce the number of T cells and B cells in your bloodstream. These cells produce the antibodies that fight off infectious bacteria. Alcohol can also increase the amount of toxins that inhibit immune function and could cause UTI symptoms to persist.

Keeping your urinary system healthy involves staying hydrated, maintaining good hygiene, and watching out for your health. Your lifestyle choices can affect your well-being, so if you’re having urinary problems or infections, consider moderating your alcohol consumption and focusing on improving the health of your bladder. Researchers suggest drinking twice a week at most and consuming just two to three drinks each time.

Maintaining a strong immune system and being mindful of your alcohol consumption and bladder function can help you keep your urinary tract healthy and reduce your risk of getting a UTI.

Symptoms of UTIs and the Role of Alcohol

UTIs can have a variety of unpleasant symptoms, which can be mild or severe. Some of the most common signs of a UTI include:

• feeling a need to urinate more frequently than usual.
• feeling a strong, urgent need to urinate.
• experiencing pressure, discomfort, or pain in your pelvic area or lower abdomen.
• experiencing pain or a burning sensation while urinating.
• noticing that your urine is strong-smelling or cloudy.
• noticing a red, pink, or brownish tinge in your urine that indicates the presence of blood.
• feeling that you can’t empty your bladder completely.

If you experience symptoms of a UTI that fail to resolve quickly, be sure to contact a healthcare professional for guidance.

Preventing UTIs While Drinking

To keep your bladder healthy while you’re drinking alcohol, it’s important to stay hydrated. These tips can help reduce the negative effects of alcohol on your urinary system:

Drink Water Before You Drink Alcohol: To ensure that your body is fully hydrated, consume several glasses of water before you start drinking alcohol.

Alternate Alcoholic and Non-alcoholic Beverages: To reduce the diuretic effects of alcohol, switch between alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks as time passes.

Avoid Highly Carbonated Beverages: Highly carbonated beverages can be irritating to your bladder and make you feel the urge to urinate more quickly, so consider drinking flat beverages instead.

Consume One Glass of Water for Every Alcoholic Drink: Try to drink at least one glass of water every time you consume an alcoholic drink.

Choose Pale or Light-Colored Drinks: Pale alcoholic beverages like gin, vodka, and white wine have a less dehydrating effect because they have fewer congeners than dark colored drinks, so think about staying away from red wine and dark liquors like bourbon, whisky, rum, and tequila.

Take Bathroom Breaks: To avoid overfilling your bladder, make an effort to urinate regularly.

Do Your Kegels: Practice pelvic floor exercises, or kegels, to strengthen and tone the muscles surrounding your bladder and help improve bladder control.

Pace Yourself: When you’re drinking, don’t rush. Drink slowly to manage your alcohol consumption and go easy on your urinary system.

Eat Something: When you drink on an empty stomach, its easier to dehydrate. Having dinner or snacks while you’re drinking can help alcohol absorb less quickly and reduce its effects on your bladder.

Drink Moderately: Try to limit your alcohol intake; drinking heavily can strain your bladder and quickly lower your hydration levels.

When You’re Done Drinking, Drink More Water: When you’re finished drinking alcohol, drink a few glasses of water to hydrate your cells and flush out damaging toxins.

When to Seek Help for Alcohol-Related Health Concerns

Coming down with a UTI is unpleasant, and it can cause significant health issues if left untreated. Frequent urination, pelvic pain, and discomfort when you urinate are common symptoms of urinary tract infections (UTIs). If you notice these signs, promptly seek medical advice from your physician or a urologist. UTIs are often caused by e. coli (escherichia coli), and early diagnosis and treatment options, like a course of antibiotics, can help stop the infection from worsening or making you seriously ill.

If you think that your drinking habits are contributing to recurrent UTIs or affecting your urinary health, speak with a healthcare provider. Excessive alcohol consumption can weaken the immune system, reducing the body’s ability to fight off infections. Proper hygiene practices, staying hydrated with plenty of water, and managing fluid intake can also play a significant role in maintaining urinary health.

Your doctor may recommend lifestyle adjustments, such as moderating alcohol use, improving hygiene practices, and avoiding bladder irritation caused by certain foods and drinks. If sexual activity or other factors like kidney stones, hormonal changes, or the use of a catheter are contributing to your condition, your healthcare provider can tailor a plan to address those issues as well.

If left untreated, UTIs can escalate to more serious conditions like cystitis, so addressing the issue early is essential for a full recovery. Whether you’re experiencing outpatient care or discussing concerns with a loved one, taking steps to protect your health is always a wise choice.

Illinois Recovery Center Can Help You Address Alcohol Misuse

Misusing alcohol can leave you feeling down, contribute to urinary tract infections, and impact your overall health. If your drinking is preventing you from feeling your best, seek help from the Illinois Recovery Center. Our kind and dedicated experts provide comprehensive addiction recovery services, including detox for those in need of immediate intervention. In a calm, supportive setting, we offer personalized alcohol addiction treatment options, using evidence-based methods and compassionate care to help you overcome your challenges. Our goal is to support you in achieving a full and rewarding life free from the grips of addiction. To learn more, visit us online at Illinois Recovery Center.

---

Meth, or methamphetamines, and amphetamines are psychostimulants that release dopamine into the synaptic ridges of the brain. While these drugs have similar names, they differ significantly in their applications, legal status, and potency. The use of amphetamines is typically for medical purposes, such as treating ADHD or narcolepsy, whereas methamphetamines are much more potent and have a higher potential for misuse. As a result, methamphetamine addiction tends to be more severe and destructive than addiction to other types of amphetamines.

Both substances increase energy and alertness by stimulating the nervous system, but the effects of methamphetamine are much stronger and longer-lasting due to its additional methyl group. This difference not only enhances the stimulating properties of meth but also increases its addictive potential. In contrast, the effects of amphetamine are typically shorter-lived and less intense, though still significant for those using the drug. The heightened potency of methamphetamines makes them particularly dangerous and more likely to lead to addiction and severe health consequences.

Methamphetamine vs. Prescription Amphetamines

While prescription drugs like Adderall and illicit drugs like crystal meth are related, they are not the same. Prescribed stimulant drugs like Adderall and Vyvanse (a brand name for dextroamphetamine) are legally used to treat conditions such as ADHD and narcolepsy. These medications influence neurotransmitters like dopamine and norepinephrine, helping to manage symptoms by improving focus and alertness. Methylphenidate, found in medications like Ritalin, is another example of a prescription stimulant drug used for ADHD, although it is not technically an amphetamine.

The only FDA-approved prescription methamphetamine, Desoxyn, is sometimes used for treating ADHD and weight loss related to obesity. When taken as prescribed, it can have similar effects to other stimulants without the high risks associated with substance abuse. However, the illegal street drug known as crystal meth is far more dangerous due to its impure chemical structure and toxic additives, which significantly increase its potential for stimulant addiction.

Both prescription amphetamines like Dexedrine and illegal methamphetamine are classified as Schedule II drugs due to their high potential for drug addiction and non-medical use. The National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) emphasizes that improper drug use of these stimulants can lead to serious substance use disorders. Prescription stimulants, when misused, can also lead to severe health issues, highlighting the importance of following medical advice to prevent substance abuse.

How Amphetamines and Meth Affect the Brain and Body

Amphetamines and methamphetamines can both have significant impacts on the brain and body. Drugs like Adderall are short-acting stimulants that increase focus, alertness, and energy in the user. They can also raise blood pressure, diminish appetite, and sometimes cause dry mouth, insomnia, or exhaustion. When amphetamines are misused, they can produce a cocaine-like high. Overdosing on amphetamines can cause hallucinations and even lead to critical injury or death.

Methamphetamines affect the central nervous system more quickly and have longer-lasting effects than amphetamines. They can raise a person’s body temperature and make them feel aggressive and euphoric. These drugs are also associated with extreme tooth decay, or “meth mouth,” which leads to extremely stained or rotting teeth. Smoking crystal meth usually leads to an intense, short-lived high, while snorting methamphetamines can give users a slow-acting high that can last a whole day. With each use, methamphetamines train the brain’s reward circuitry to seek out the drug, which contributes to dependence and addiction.

Prescription Amphetamine Abuse

When people use amphetamines like Adderall as prescribed, they may be able to focus and perform better at work and school while having a low risk of experiencing toxic side effects. On the other hand, using Adderall long-term or taking too-high doses can cause more serious problems and even damage cognitive function.

Taking too much of an amphetamine can cause restlessness, dizziness, headaches, poor sleep, and changes in vision. It can also cause nausea, constipation, and diarrhea. Severe adverse drug reactions, like hallucinations, paranoia, and cardiovascular events, are more likely to happen when a person takes too much of the drug. Acute intoxication can cause dry mouth, hyperactivity, dilated pupils, chest pain, disorientation, and symptoms of psychosis.

When a person overdoses on amphetamines, their blood pressure may shoot up to life-threatening levels and cause a stroke or heart attack. They may also have panic attacks, become dangerously aggressive, or experience seizures that lead to coma or death.

Adderall Interactions and Long-Term Effects

It can be dangerous to take Adderall with another drug within a short period of time. Combining Adderall with depressants like alcohol or opioids doesn’t necessarily cause the drugs to cancel each other out; instead, one drug may mask or modify the other drug’s effects, making it easier to overdose. Mixing two or more stimulants like Adderall and methamphetamines or cocaine can compound the effects of the drugs and increase the risk of liver damage, brain injury, heart attack, stroke, or overdose.

Since Adderall modifies the brain’s relationship with dopamine, using it long-term may cause negative effects, including dependence and addiction. Long-term Adderall use can also cause or worsen cardiovascular issues, damage the brain’s nerve cells, and interfere with dopamine production. It can also worsen mental health conditions like bipolar disorder, mania, anxiety, delusions, and psychosis. For some long-term users, taking Adderall can reduce concentration and lead to cognitive decline.

The Risks of Methamphetamine Use

Using crystal meth or similar drugs can be extremely dangerous and damaging to health. They can cause sleeplessness, tremors, anxiety, and paranoia and lead people to commit violent acts. In the case of overdose, methamphetamines can raise a user’s heart rate, respiratory rate, and blood pressure enough to cause convulsions, strokes, or heart attacks.

The first time a person uses meth, they may get high or simply feel more energized and awake. They may lose their appetite and notice that their heart is beating faster or abnormally. If they mix meth with alcohol, they may not experience the same degree of intoxication, which could lead to alcohol overdose.

Chronic methamphetamine use can lead to addiction, tooth loss, and malnutrition. Meth can also cause cardiovascular problems, hypertension, rapid and irregular heart rate, coronary artery spasm or blockage, and heart attack. It can worsen cardiovascular disease and increase the risk of stroke.

Misusing methamphetamine is also associated with a higher risk of transmitting and contracting hepatitis B, hepatitis C, and HIV. People who use illegal crystal meth may be more likely to inject the drug using shared contaminated needles or engage in risky behavior like unprotected sex while intoxicated.

Methamphetamines can also cause changes in brain structure that degrade motor coordination and lead to declines in verbal learning, ongoing anxiety, mood swings, delusions, visual and auditory hallucinations, and memory loss.

Eventually, using drugs like crystal meth can lead to serious mental health problems, including psychosis, paranoia, hallucinations, and delusions. These effects can last for months or even years, even when a person stops taking the drug.

Repeated, long-term methamphetamine use can cause a person to develop a tolerance so that they need to use more of the drug more often to achieve the same high. People who suddenly stop taking crystal meth after prolonged use and develop a dependence may undergo withdrawal and experience depression, fatigue, and cravings.

Treatment for Amphetamine and Meth Addiction

When a person finds themselves addicted to amphetamines or meth, the professional treatments offered at Illinois Recovery Center can help them safely stop using the substances and live a sober life.

Treatment for Adderall Addiction

If a person develops a dependence on or addiction to Adderall, early intervention can enhance the potential for full recovery. If the dependence is mild, a person may be able to reverse it themselves with a doctor’s guidance; otherwise, they may need professional treatment to recover fully. Illinois Recovery Center provides a variety of supportive care modalities that can help a person overcome their Adderall addiction.

Medication-Assisted Detox

People who want to quit using Adderall can limit their withdrawal symptoms by undergoing medication-assisted detox. Prescribed sleeping aids can improve restfulness, anti-nausea medications can reduce discomfort, and IVs can help with hydration. These treatments can be administered on an inpatient or outpatient basis at our facility.

Mental Health Support and Therapy

Detoxing from Adderall can be challenging and difficult. Many people find that the process can bring on intense anxiety, frustration, and depression that are hard to manage. During this stage of recovery, it’s crucial to get perspective, realize that any difficulties can be temporary, and develop coping skills that make it easier to move forward. Illinois Recovery Center provides supportive therapies that give patients a sounding board. Counseling and other mental health treatments help prevent relapse and self-harming behaviors so that patients can look forward to feeling better. Fortunately, studies suggest that the brain can repair itself if the person abstains from using Adderall, with many functions returning to normal.

Treatment for Meth Addiction

When a person is dependent on or addicted to meth, intervention and intensive treatment are needed to reverse the damage and live a fulfilling, sober life. The professional, medically supervised detox and addiction treatment programs at Illinois Recovery Center can help people safely get on a path towards sobriety.

Medical Detox

Getting clean from a meth addiction can be a difficult and uncomfortable experience. The intense withdrawal symptoms are best managed under a doctor’s care in an inpatient medical detox center, although some patients choose to undergo outpatient treatment. As the drug leaves the body, inpatient clients receive around-the-clock care that safeguards their physical and mental health and helps prevent patients from engaging in damaging behaviors. Many clients also take prescription medications that help to ease their symptoms.

Mental Health Support and Therapy

After detoxing from meth, engaging in recovery programs and mental health counseling can play a critical role in helping patients stay clean. Illinois Recovery Center provides several modalities of evidence-based individual therapy and group therapies that can help patients deal with unhealthy thoughts and behaviors. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) can help patients develop resilience and a healthier mindset, while support groups can help patients build relationships with their peers. Patients may also engage in meditation, yoga, and other supportive therapies that help them combat issues like anxiety, mood swings, and impulse control. Recovery from meth addiction can be a lengthy process, so treatment programs provide strategies. To prevent relapse and encourage healthy living.

Conclusion: The Importance of Getting Professional Help

If you or a loved one is struggling with meth or amphetamine addiction, it’s imperative to seek help and support right away. Illinois Recovery Center offers a range of treatment options, including medical detox services, behavioral and holistic therapies, peer support groups, and complementary treatments to help patients overcome their substance addiction. Methamphetamines, in particular, have a higher potential for misuse and addiction, making it crucial to receive timely and professional care. Our healthcare experts provide supportive, comprehensive treatment in a comfortable environment, helping individuals manage their struggles with amphetamines and methamphetamines so they can live happier, more fulfilling lives. To learn more, visit our website at Illinois Recovery Center.

---

Before we dive in too deep, we need to make it clear hoarding isn’t the cute and odd problem some Hollywood movies make it out to be.

It’s not about having a secret cluttered closet you’re embarrassed about or owning more than one version of your favorite book—on that front, you’re quite normal.

A hoarding disorder is a serious mental health condition where individuals find it challenging to discard items, regardless of their value. This behavior can lead to excessive clutter, significantly disrupting living spaces.

According to the International OCD Foundation, almost 2%–6% of the population suffers from this.

Yet, spotting the symptoms can be difficult, especially when so many of us are attached to items because of sentimentality.

That’s why we’re here to help you understand the different stages of hoarding and how it can affect not only the individual suffering but also his loved ones.

Understanding Hoarding

Hoarding disorder is more than just collecting items or having a messy home; it’s a complex mental health disorder that affects both men and women at the same rate.

In general, this condition is characterized by persistent difficulty in parting with possessions, leading to overwhelming clutter, damaged living spaces, and harmed physical health.

Moreover, hoarding was officially recognized as a distinct disorder and included in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) for the first time in 2012.

According to their estimates, hoarding affects approximately 2.6% of Americans. This acknowledgment by the American Psychiatric Association marked a significant step in understanding and handling the issue.

The Stages of Hoarding

There are five stages of hoarding and these include the following:

Stage One: Minimal Clutter, Minimal Impact

In the early levels of hoarding, you might notice absolutely nothing. Whatever clutter exists now, doesn’t interfere yet with daily living, making it appear normal.

It could be a remote out of place or extra items kept here or there, but nothing out of the ordinary. To illustrate further, look at the different areas of the home on the Clutter Image Rating first images.

The kitchen, bedroom, and living room are all very tidy with all windows, stairs, and doors accessible. There aren’t any visible signs of mold or infestations and every room seems well-ventilated.

At this hoarding level, it’s a fact that the clutter looks manageable, and the home can still serve its intended purpose by being a haven.

You might see stacks of newspapers, magazines, or mail that seem harmless, but a hint at a deeper reluctance to discard items. Such simple disorganization and the growing collection of seemingly unnecessary things can be easily overlooked.

Sadly, without a professional’s opinion, you can do little at this stage. It can be just that you or your loved one had a long, tiring week, leading to disorganization or general laziness, nothing serious.

However, when it slowly progresses, leading to clutter that may start to encroach on stairways, floors, and tables, the risks get higher.

Stage Two: Noticeable but Mild Clutter

As the hoarding behavior advances to the next stage, the clutter starts to impact daily life more noticeably.

For instance, what do you notice when looking at pictures two and three on the CIR?

The living area began to lose its intended purpose, making it difficult to move around freely and use the space as desired.

The same thing happens to the kitchen and bedroom. What was once a manageable mess, now becomes an obstacle to a comfortable home, leaving the owner embarrassed of visitors.

There are now piles of items, such as newspapers, clothes, and household goods, growing larger and more intrusive.

There’s also a possibility that you can find pet feces or hair, at least one problem with home appliances or electricity, and a blocked exit.

This hoarding situation may lead to insufficient ventilation, causing odors to permeate the house as well as mild mold or mildew.

As a result, one of the key signs of stage two hoarding is the appearance of minor infestations. You might notice an increase in insects like rodents, cockroaches, or ants, drawn by the clutter and possible food remnants. 

If you notice these changes, it’s time to encourage small steps to address the clutter and seek professional help if needed.

The earlier the intervention, the better the chance of preventing further escalation and improving the overall well-being of the afflicted individual.

Stage Three: Moderate Hoarding

The closest depictions of this stage are pictures four and five on the CIR. At this point, the clutter has grown to such an extent that accessing stairways and certain rooms becomes a challenge.

The home starts to lose functionality, and the living conditions deteriorate noticeably.

All the possible changes mentioned in stage two become a reality in stage three without intervention.

Please note this stage and beyond truly require professional help.

The sheer volume of possessions piled up in this stage naturally grows out of the control of the individual suffering from this disorder.

You might find the garbage overflowing and multiple surfaces unclean. If they live in a home with a porch, garage, or backyard, you’ll see items spilled from the inside out.

As for the conditions inside, it’s best described as unsanitary and unsafe. With the clutter building up, so do the health risks.

Mildew can develop in damp cluttered spaces and insect infestations become more common as pests find ample hiding spots and food sources.

Other signs of stage three include blocked exits, unclean pets and animal waste, poor ventilation, and electrical or plumbing issues.

If you or a loved one reaches this stage, it’s essential to talk to someone who will understand and not judge.

Mental health professionals can provide the necessary support and strategies to manage the situation.

Stage Four: Severe Hoarding and Structural Damage

When hoarding reaches stage four, the situation becomes dire, with extreme clutter severely impacting personal hygiene and overall living conditions.

Yet, the main issue at this stage is that the individual suffering from the disorder often fails to recognize the severity of the problem.

What you see in pictures six and seven on CIR isn’t as significant to the person affected. That’s to say, their perception is clouded, preventing them from understanding the critical nature of their situation.

Instead, they’re often in an odd headspace with emotions as overflowing as the clutter. They’re also frequently nostalgic, walking down memory lane and making grandiose plans with every corner they take.

However, at this level, the presence of biohazard materials such as human feces and animal waste becomes a grim reality.

These unsanitary conditions pose serious health risks, as bacteria and disease can spread rapidly in such an environment.

The air also becomes thich with noticeable odors, making the home an uncomfortable and unsafe place. Of course, fire hazards increase dramatically due to the excessive accumulation of items.

Flammable materials are often piled high, blocking exits and making it difficult for emergency services to navigate the home in case of a fire. It also makes it hard for the individual to escape and save their life.

Additionally, structural damage becomes a real concern, as mildew and mold eat away at the building.

Stage Five: Extreme Cluttering

When looking at pictures eight and nine on CIR, it’s clear that the space is unlivable and unsanitary. The living conditions at stage five have deteriorated to the point that basic utilities like electricity and running water are often unavailable.

Severe infestations of insects like bed bugs or rodents are common, adding to the already hazardous environment. The clutter at this stage becomes enough that it’s almost impossible to navigate the home.

There are no clear floors or hallways to go through as it’s all cluttered and there’s no electricity to see. Within this level of hoarding, the afflicted person often resorts to making his way through this personal maze by climbing and crawling to move from one spot to the other.

Moreover, because most exits, if not all of them, are blocked at this level, the individual shuddering often stays in one spot, using bottles and containers to get rid of personal waste.

Social isolation also becomes profound at this stage. The embarrassment or shame associated with the state of the home can lead to significant mental illnesses and issues, including depression and anxiety.

The hoarder may withdraw from family members and loved ones, further exacerbating feelings of loneliness and helplessness.

Final Words

We completely understand if you’re frightened after reading about the stages of hoarding. Be it for you or your loved ones, the realization that a hoarding disorder is present can be overwhelming.

Still, you must remember that there is hope. Moreover, with the right support, it’s possible to reclaim a safe and healthy living environment from the jaws of mental illness.

At Illinois Recovery Center, we specialize in compassionate, effective treatment for hoarding disorders.

Whether you or your loved ones need immediate attention or ongoing support, we’re here to help. Reach out to us today, and take the first step towards a clutter-free, safer, and healthier future.

---

If you’re battling with an addiction, you might be wondering if your employer can terminate your employment. According to NCDAS, roughly half of the US population over the age of 12 has used an illicit or illegal drug at least once in their lifetime. The CDC reports that 46 million American adults had substance use disorder in 2022. Of those 46 million, 30.1 million were working at a job. The truth is that your employer may be able to terminate your employment, but it depends on various factors, including drug testing laws, company policy, and whether the substance in question is an illegal drug or a prescription drug. Let’s take a look at the implications of drug use in the workplace and if an employer can legally fire an employee for using drugs.

Implications of Drug Use in the Workplace

Employees who use illicit substances often suffer from excessive absences and poor performance. The Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis reported that individuals who have alcohol use disorder miss up to 32 days a year. That’s nearly three days a month, and if we assume that each individual works 8 hours a day, it’s 256 missed hours each year. By contrast, employees without alcohol use disorder tend to miss about 10 days a year. When you add up all the missed days by everyone with alcohol use disorder, it totals more than 232 million days. That’s a lot of lost productivity.

Legal Framework Surrounding Drug Use in the Workplace

If you take illicit substances and your employer finds out, they may be able to terminate your employment, according to the policies in the company’s employee handbook. However, you may be surprised to find out that there aren’t any requirements, regarding drug use, for private employers. The exception involves grantees and federal contractors. However, when employers craft policies regarding drugs, they have to closely pay attention to several laws, including the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, the Drug-Free Workplace Act of 1988, the Family Medical Leave Act of 1993, and the American Civil Rights Act of 1964.

The Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990

The first act that US companies need to pay attention to is the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990. It states that employers cannot discriminate against individuals who have a physical disability. Addictions can fall under this category. However, in order for the ADA to apply, the individual must either be free and clear of illicit substances after going through a treatment program, or they must be enrolled in a substance abuse program. This means that if you are addicted to a substance and enrolled in a drug treatment program, your employer cannot discriminate against you solely based on your past drug use or your admission into drug treatment. Your employer may still be able to terminate your employment for another reason.

The Family Medical Leave Act of 1993

The  Family Medical Leave Act of 1993 applies to businesses that employ more than 50 people. It states that if an individual has worked at least 1250 hours in the preceding 12 months, they are entitled to up to 12 weeks of unpaid leave to treat a serious health condition or the serious health condition of one of their family members. Getting drug treatment does fall under the “serious health condition” clause. This means that if an employee decides to enroll in a substance use program and take FMLA, their employer cannot retaliate against them. They also cannot refuse to promote them based on that treatment status, and they cannot terminate them. This also applies to any close family members who might request FMLA leave to care for an individual undergoing substance abuse treatment.

The American Civil Rights Act of 1964

The  American Civil Rights Act of 1964, in this context, means that employers that have more than 15 employees cannot target specific protected groups for drug testing and fail to test the rest of the staff. This act prohibits discriminating against people based on their religion, race, gender or nationality.

The Drug-Free Workplace Act of 1988

The Drug-Free Workplace Act of 1988 applies to contractors and grantees that perform work for the federal government. Under this act, federal workplaces and companies that have federal contracts or grants of at least $100,000 are responsible for implementing drug-free workplace programs. These programs can include drug testing and helping individuals who test positive get treatment for their substance abuse.

Employer Policies on Drug Use

Certain types of employers must have documentation on their drug use policies. These include federal agencies, companies that receive federal grants or contracts, companies that are in security-sensitive industries and work with the Department of Defense, and companies that work in safety-sensitive industries. Other employers may also choose to have drug-free workplace policies. The best place to put drug-free policies is in the employee handbook. To make sure all employees have read the policy, make sure to have a signature page that is turned in to HR. Employers can also make it part of their new hire training, and they can put the policy on their internal website so that employees can view it whenever they need to.

In general, an employer should have:

• A formal workplace drug-free policy that is given to every employee.
• A drug awareness program that includes suggested treatment options.
• Companies that have federal contracts or grants need to have a statement on how to report criminal drug violations in the workplace, both to the company and to the federal contracting agency.
• A policy outlining what actions will be taken for any employee who is convicted of a criminal drug violation at the workplace.
• A dedication to maintaining all the requirements of the Drug-Free Workplace Act

When Employers Can Drug Test

Employers have the right to drug test employees under certain conditions.

• Pre-Employment Drug Testing – Employers are allowed to test employees for illicit substances as part of the hiring process, if the candidate has been offered a position.
• Drug Testing After Rehabilitation – If an employee tests positive for drugs and goes to drug rehab, the employer is allowed to test them after they’ve returned to work.
• Drug Tests for Reasonable Suspicion – In some cases, employers may test employees for drug use if they suspect the employee is using drugs. However, this usually comes with restrictions. Usually, the employer or another employee has to see the individual using drugs or witness physical symptoms that could indicate drug use.
• Random Drug Tests  – An employer’s ability to conduct random drug tests depends on the state. Some states, like Alaska, Connecticut and Maine, prohibit or severely restrict an employer’s ability to conduct random drug tests.
• Drug Testing After an Accident – Employers are allowed to drug test employees if they’ve been involved in a workplace accident.

How Drug Testing Is Conducted

Employers typically have urine tests performed. However, other testing methods may be utilized, including hair, blood and saliva. If the employer works under government contracts or grants, they should use a lab that is HHS-certified with access to Medical Review Officers. The drug tests may be performed at a lab or the company can opt to have a trained technician come to the workplace and collect specimens.

Grounds for Termination: Suspected vs. Confirmed Drug Use

The action taken by the employer may depend on whether the drug use is suspected or confirmed.

Suspected Drug Use

In general, employers should look for physical symptoms of alcohol and/or drug use. These might include smelling alcohol on the individual or witnessing unsteady walking. Slurred speech, confusion, dilated pupils, red eyes and difficulty focusing on their tasks can also be signs of drug use. However, supervisors should also be aware that some medical issues could cause similar symptoms.

If an employer suspects that an employee is under the influence of drugs or alcohol, the supervisor should call their drug testing lab and request an immediate on-site test. If the employee’s job requires them to work with heavy machinery or drive, they should be removed from their work area. During this time, the supervisor should also ask them to agree to submit to a drug test and have them sign a consent form that lists the reasons why they are being drug tested so that the employer and employee both have documentation of the incident.

While the employer might hope that the employee signs the form, he or she can refuse. In that instance, it’s important to document the refusal because the employer may be able to fire the employee.

Confirmed Drug Use

If the employee agrees to and takes the drug test and it comes back positive, the employer has a few options, but those options depend on the state. For example, in Illinois, employers have the right to prohibit the use of marijuana while they are working or on call. They cannot prohibit employees from using marijuana during their off hours. Illinois does not restrict the use of drug testing for random tests, after accidents or for reasonable suspicion.

If an employee’s drug test does come back positive, the employer should follow the guidelines in their drug-free workplace policy and consult HR or an attorney. This is to make sure that they are following all the laws regarding drug use in the workplace. Some policies may stipulate that the employee has to be terminated immediately. However, other companies may give the employee the chance to enter rehab rather than be terminated. Upon the completion of the drug treatment program and a negative drug test, the employee may be allowed to return to their old job or a similar job.

Employee Rights and Protections

People with disabilities are protected by the ADA, but drug addiction isn’t considered a disability if the employee is still a current drug user and has not sought treatment. If the employee is caught using drugs or fails a drug test, the employer is within their rights to deal with that employee in accordance with their drug-free workplace policy, providing that every employee is held accountable under that policy.
The ADA does apply to individuals who have a history of drug use but are now sober. It also applies to individuals who are currently undergoing treatment for a drug or alcohol addiction, and it applies to individuals who have been accused of using drugs but are not using them.

It’s also important to note that the term ‘current drug user’ can be ambiguous. Several court cases have made their way through the system, including Zenor v. El Paso Healthcare Systems, Ltd., Shafer v. Preston Memorial Hospital Corp., and Salley v. Circuit City Stores, that have established somewhat of a precedent for the definition of ‘current drug user’. Those court cases have determined that someone who quit using in the preceding weeks or months may still be considered a current drug user. The most egregious of these cases was Shafer v. Preston Memorial Hospital Corp. In this case, Shafer was a nurse who stole patient medication to feed an addiction. The hospital sent her to rehab, and she completed that rehab. Directly after she completed rehab, she was told that her services were no longer needed. In that case, the court ruled that Shafer was still considered a current drug abuser because she had used illicit substances in the weeks and months leading up to her rehabilitation.

The ADA and Alcohol Addiction

Alcoholism is considered separate from drug addiction as far as the ADA is concerned. Individuals with alcoholism or who are recovering from alcohol abuse are protected under the ADA if the alcoholism has significantly limited the individual’s life activities. If it can be proven that the individual’s life activities were not impaired, it’s unlikely to qualify as a disability under the ADA.

Understanding Unfair Termination in Regards to Addiction

Many jobs in the US are considered ‘at will’. This mans that the employer can let the employee go for almost any reason, so long as that reason is not discriminatory or covered by the ADA. Additionally, an employer cannot terminate an employee or refuse to hire an employee based on erroneous assumptions. For example, if an individual has been prescribed medications that show up in drug tests and the employee has provided that documentation, the employer cannot refuse to hire them or continue their employment solely because of the failed drug test.

This type of incident may happen if an individual recently enrolled in an opioid treatment program and was prescribed methadone. Methadone can show up in drug tests. If, after undergoing drug treatment and adhering to their methadone regimen, an individual applies for a job and fails the pre-employment drug screening based on the prescribed methadone, that individual may have a legal case against the employer.

Challenging Unfair Termination

If you’ve been unfairly terminated due to suspected drug use, there are steps to can take to challenge the separation.

1. Gather any documentation you need in order to support your case.
2. Find a good wrongful termination lawyer and schedule a consultation. A lawyer will be able to tell you if you might have a case against the employer.
3. File a complaint with the company’s HR department.
4. File a complaint with the EEOC.
5. Be open to presenting your evidence at trial.

Employer Responsibilities and Best Practices

If you’re an employer, it’s important to take a few things into consideration when writing your drug-free workplace policies. First, you should always strive to develop fair policies that don’t discriminate against certain groups of people. Most employers will want to consult with a lawyer or an HR professional who specializes in writing workplace drug policies. This is to ensure that the language is clear and easily understandable. Next, make sure the policies are evenly applied across your organization.

In addition to writing the policy and making sure that everyone has a copy, you may want to develop an Employee Assistance Program that includes how to get help for drug addiction. You might even have a number they can call or a list of suggested rehabilitation centers.

By having a clearly defined policy and an EAP, your company will be balancing enforcement with compassion, and giving your employees every chance for success.

Conclusion

In order to maintain a safe workplace and remain in compliance with federal laws, state laws, and any federal contracts or grants, it’s crucial to have a comprehensive drug-free workplace policy. This written policy should cover both illegal drugs and alcohol policy, as well as the handling of positive drug test results. If you suspect an employee is using illicit substances, prescription drugs, or alcohol while on the job or before work, you’ll need to create a trail of documentation regarding their job performance and work performance. This is to ensure that any disciplinary action or termination is legally justified under employment law, especially in at-will employment situations.

Employees should strive to understand their rights in the workplace, their employer’s drug policies, and any reasonable accommodations available for those with a medical condition related to substance use. If someone needs help, they should consult their Employee Assistance Program (EAP), human resources, or contact Illinois Recovery Center today to explore rehabilitation programs. Seeking legal advice may also be necessary to navigate issues related to employment law and ensure compliance with company policies and human services regulations.

---

Abuse doesn’t have to cause visible bruises, lacerations, or broken bones to be detrimental. Although emotional abuse doesn’t involve hitting or other forms of physical aggression, it has lingering effects on how people perceive themselves, how they behave, and how their brains function. Whether experienced early in life, at work, or in a romantic relationship, emotional abuse can cause epigenetic brain changes, emotional dysregulation, lack of self-awareness, loss of empathy, and more.

What Is Emotional Abuse?

Driven by a need to control, emotional abuse is a behavioral pattern in which one person belittles, humiliates, neglects, or psychologically torments another. Emotional abusers instill fear to obtain or maintain control over the thoughts, actions, and behaviors of others. Although a single or isolated incidence of abusive behavior doesn’t constitute emotional abuse, repeated abusive behaviors do.

The Importance of Understanding the Impact on Mental and Brain Health

Victims of emotional abuse are often in desperate need of validation. By all outward appearances, they might not appear harmed at all. Worse still, many emotionally abusive people often hide their abusive tendencies under very normal-seeming veneers.

For many, validation is the first step toward emotional healing. Validation allows abuse victims to recognize wrong and hurtful behaviors for what they are. Moreover, where emotional abuse seeks to control victims and keep them trapped in fear-based relationships, validation sets them free.

Emotional abuse affects the brain’s functioning, chemistry, and structure. Understanding these changes is key for validating abuse and acknowledging its immediate and long-term impact. When emotional abuse isn’t understood, validated, and properly treated, it can affect all decision-making and all future relationships.

People in emotionally abusive relationships can remain trapped in the same patterns indefinitely. Even if they leave one abusive relationship successfully they might find themselves in others. Those who are abused in childhood grow up to display patterns of self-abuse. Worse still, they often repeat the same behaviors they were once subjected to when parenting their own children.

Understanding, validating, and treating emotional abuse breaks this cycle. It allows abuse victims to heal and to establish healthy relationships, boundaries, and behaviors. While emotional abuse doesn’t leave visible scars, there are telling signs of its impact on the brain and brain functioning.

Types of Emotional Abuse

Often a precursor to violent physical abuse, emotional abuse comes in many forms and is a significant aspect of psychological abuse. This type of abuse, which can also be linked to domestic violence, includes not only belittling and gaslighting but also sleep deprivation, using intimate knowledge to threaten or degrade, and financial abuse. Additionally, emotional abuse may intersect with other forms of abuse, such as stalking, sexual abuse, and even child abuse, making it a critical issue in understanding the broader spectrum of abuse.

Verbal Abuse

Name-calling and making threats are two of the most common forms of verbal abuse. Verbal abuse also includes:

• Public degradation
• Scapegoating and blaming
• Constant criticism
• Manipulation
• Silent treatment

The “silent treatment” or withholding causes victims to constantly pursue the attention of their abusers for validation, forgiveness, or peace.

Manipulation and Control

Financial abuse is a common form of manipulation in emotionally abusive relationships. Abusive partners often maintain tight control over household finances and may refuse to release monies for essentials. Financial abuse prevents victims from seeking a way out by eliminating tangible means for escape.

Sometimes financial abuse comes in the form of overspending. For instance, one party might spend beyond a household’s means to keep the other bound in the relationship by debt.

Triangulation and “love bombing” are two tactics commonly used in manipulation and control. In triangulation, an abuser sways the opinions of outside parties against the victim by convincing them that the victim is crazy, abusive, forgetful, or in other ways responsible for their own suffering and pain.

“Love bombing” is a tactic in which abusers flood their victims with love and affection to regain control. “Love bombing” often follows instances of extreme emotional abuse and attempts to sway victims from leaving by convincing them that everything will be different going forward.

Gaslighting and Psychological Manipulation

Gaslighting can be both verbal and non-verbal. The “silent treatment” is one form of non-verbal gaslighting. In verbal gaslighting, abusers might tell their victims that they’re being overly sensitive or dramatic or that they’ve imagined harmful actions, events, or behaviors. Gaslighting seeks to undermine a person’s feelings, perception of reality, and reactions. In short, it directly invalidates a victims’s suffering and pain.

Isolation and Neglect

Witholding affection, keeping people from spending time with others, and general neglect are all emotionally abuse behaviors. In childhood emotional abuse, neglect can include withholding essential medical or dental care, food, shelter, and other basic necessities.

Common Signs and Symptoms of Emotional Abuse

The symptoms of emotional abuse are a direct reflection of its impact on the brain and brain functioning.

They include:

• Low self-esteem
• Poor decision-making
• Inappropriately childlike or adult-like behavior
• Emotional outbursts
• Unwarranted aggression or passivity
• Avoidance of activities related to abusive events

Social withdrawal and frequent or excessive self-criticism are also signs of emotional abuse.

The Brain’s Response to Emotional Abuse

Duration and time of experience both play major hands in determining how significantly emotional abuse affects the brain. The longer that emotional abuse is endured, the greater its impact on the brain. The earlier in life that a person is emotionally abused, the more their brain functioning and health suffers. Early childhood emotional abuse affects the brain during critical stages of neurological development and can permanently or semi-permanently alter the hippocampus, prefontal cortex, and temporal lobe.

Early childhood trauma can make a person emotionally numb to traumatic events. This in turn might make them more vulnerable to retraumatization and less likely to notice the warning signs of social dangers.

Emotional abuse can also cause thinning in brain areas that are critical to emotional awareness, empathy, and self-awareness. As a result abuse victims may be less sensitive to their own pain and less sensitive to the pain of others.

Stress Response System

Emotional abuse can affect the brain’s stress response system such that victims have a harder time regulating their emotions. This is but one of many epigenetic changes that can occur when people are emotionally abused early in life or for long periods of time.

The stress response system or the “Fight, Flight, or Freeze” response determines how people protect or preserve themselves when facing immediate or perceived danger. Due to brain changes, victims of severe abuse may simply freeze and accept their reality without seeking self-preservation or change. Some might be more prone to acts of aggression even in instances in which aggressive or reactive behaviors aren’t required. In essence, emotional abuse limits the stress response system in its ability to initiate appropriate responses to outside stimuli.

Activation of the Hypothalamic-Pituatry-Adrenal (HPA) Axis

The hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis is the primary neuroendocrine system for stress-regulation. When activated by emotional abuse, it causes elevated cortisol levels particularly in the saliva, and it may be a risk factor for eating disorders. Due to elevated cortisol levels, HPA activation can cause long-term problems with anxiety and the development of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), general anxiety disorder, bipolar disorder, or panic disorder.

Impact on Brain Structures

In addition to the thinning of brain tissue across multiple brain areas, emotional abuse can cause a decrease in brain volume, increased activity in the amygdala, and alterations within the corpus callosum which connects the left and right brain hemispheres.

Amygdala: Heightened Fear and Anxiety Response

The amygdala processes fear. Increased reactivity in the amygdala can cause a heightened fear response, a blunted or insufficient fear response, and impulsive decisions and behaviors.

Hippocampus: Impaired Memory and Learning

Thinning tissues across the hippocampus affect empathetic response. In addition to lost or diminished empathy, changes across the hippocampus can also impact a person’s ability to recognize how their words and actions affect others.

Prefontal Cortex: Affected Decision-Making and Impulse Control

Highly trauamatic events can cause underactivation of the prefrontal cortex. This is the part of the brain that’s responsible for rational decision-making. Underactivation of the prefrontal cortex leads to impulsivity, lack of planning and planning abilities, and a greater likelihood of substance abuse. This is why victims of emotional abuse who develop substance use disorder (SUD) or alcohol use disorder (AUD) often experience the greatest success in recovery when enrolling in comprehensive addiction treatment programs that account for changes in brain chemistry, functioning, and health.

The Long-Term Psychological Effects of Emotional Abuse

Emotional abuse increases the risk of substance use disorders, anxiety disorders, and many other mental health issues. People who’ve experienced emotional abuse often have lifelong struggles in maintaining healthy relationships and may spend much of their lives self-isolating or forming abusive attachments. Emotional abuse can also cause:

• Cognitive impairments and learning difficulties
• Difficulty concentrating
• Lack of focus

These psychological effects are tied to the many chemical and structural changes caused by emotional abuse.

Emotional Dysregulation

Emotional dysregulation makes it difficult for abuse victims to control their emotions. People may have overly strong emotional reactions and frequently feel “stressed out” or overwhelmed. Emotional dysregulation also contributes to poor impulse control and the development of impulsive control disorders (ICDs).

Neurobiological Changes Due to Emotional Abuse

Changes within the brain’s amygdala, hippocampus, and other areas can affect brain chemistry and stress response. These neurochemical changes are responsible of elevated cortisol levels and heightened or blunted reactivity. However, emotional abuse can also cause neurobiological changes that impact the brain’s ability to develop new responses based on new experiences.

Neuroplasticity and Brain Development

Neuroplasticity is the brain’s ability to form new synaptic connections or reorganize existing ones. Decreased neuroplasticity is a risk factor for chronic anxiety, depression, and PTSD. It also makes it more challenging for abuse victims to establish new views concerning themselves, healthier coping responses, and healthier reactions.

Impact on Brain Development in Children and Adolescents

For young children and adolescents, early emotional abuse can additionally impact the cingulate cortex and precuneus. These areas of the brain relate to self-perception and self-awareness and trauma-induced changes can have a lingering impact on how victims perceive themselves.

Long-Term Health Consequences

Neurobiological and neurochemical changes in the brain resulting from emotional abuse can also impact a person’s physical health. People who experience early-life abuse and prolonged emotional abuse have a higher likelihood of developing problems like:

• Heart problems
• High blood pressure
• Irritable bowel syndrome
• Fibromyalgia

Having a chronically heightened stress response can also lead to weight gain, sleep troubles, recurring headaches, and general digestive issues.

The Cycle of Abuse and Its Perpetuation

Often neither validated nor treated, emotional abuse has a way of trickling down from generation to generation. Without the means for recognizing harmful and unhealthy behaviors for what they are, people often repeat them or form new relationships in which these behaviors exist.

Behavioral Patterns

Children of abuse may grow up to become parents who repeat the same patterns of:

• Withholding affection
• Isolating
• Neglecting
• Demeaning
• Gaslighting

Whether intentional or inadvertently, children of emotional abuse who repeat behavioral patterns as adults and parents do so as a means for maintaining control. This effort to maintain control is typically fear-based. Without control, people with untreated emotional abuse are often anxious and on edge.

Development of Maladaptive Coping Mechanisms

Among the many long-term effects of emotional abuse is the development of maladaptive coping mechanisms, including:

• Overeating or under-eating
• Self-harm
• Setting unrealistic and unattainable goals
• Ruminating on negative thoughts
• The avoidance of stressors rather than problem-solving

People who identify these maladaptive coping mechanisms in their young children or teenagers may also recognize them in themselves. Much like generational emotional abuse, maladaptive coping behaviors are often passed from one generation to another.

Healing and Recovery From Emotional Abuse

With validation as the first step in the healing process, recognizing the neurological effects of emotional abuse and seeking treatment are also essential. When people are aware of the neurochemical and neurobiological changes that are responsible for things like heightened stress response and impulsive behaviors, they can rise to the challenge of tackling these issues head-on.

Therapeutic Approaches

There are many effective therapeutic and clinical approaches for treating the effects of emotional abuse. These include various forms of talk therapy, trauma-focused therapy, and skill-building.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT

Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is psychotherapy that combines behavior and cognitive therapy to address emotional and mental health issues. It includes:

• Identifying troubling or traumatic events and circumstances
• Practicing coping and relaxation techniques
• Encouraging awareness of beliefs, thoughts, and feelings
• Identifying inaccurate and negative thought patterns
• Reshaping negative thinking

CBT gives patients the power to reshape their views of themselves and their response to the world around them.

Trauma-Focused Therapies (EMDR and Somatic Experiencing

Trauma-based therapies help people process and move past traumatic experiences using psychological techniques such as somatic experiencing and eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR).

In EMDR, patients focus on traumatic memories while receiving bilateral stimulation. This alters the way in which the brain stores traumatic memories and promotes psychological healing.

Somatic experiencing targets dysfunction throughout the nervous system caused by emotional abuse. It increases the awareness of bodily sensations that are ultimately caused by past trauma.

Counseling and Support Groups

Group counseling sessions and support groups help victims of abuse develop a sense of camaraderie while learning through shared experiences. Private or one-on-one counseling helps abuse victims work through their trauma via traditional talk therapy.

Building Resilience

Abuse victims seek both validation and acceptance. Building resilience helps people avoid seeking either of these things from abusive parties. It also fosters healthier coping skills, increased self-awareness, and improved self-esteem.

Developing Healthy Coping Strategies

Healthy coping skills help people manage their thoughts, impulses, emotions, and behaviors in effective and non-destructive ways. They represent a move away from self-harm, substance abuse, and overeating, and can include:

• Meditating
• Exercising
• Journaling
• Spending time with close friends
• Developing rewarding hobbies
• Deep breathing

The Importance of Social Support and Community

Lack of social support is in itself a risk factor for the development of PTSD. Healing from emotional abuse is a challenging and painful process that involves revisiting old wounds, accepting accountability for self-defeating and abusive behaviors, and uncomfortable amounts of introspection. As with all mental and emotional health treatments, recovery from emotional abuse works best when people have strong social bonds, a sense of camaraderie, and loyal support teams.

The Brain’s Ability to Heal and Rewire

Some forms of early emotional trauma can cause lifelong changes in brain structure and brain functioning. However, through therapy and other treatments, many people area able to form new neural connections via the brain’s ability to rewire itself. Neuroplasticity often makes it possible to override or overcome the lingering effects of emotional abuse.

Practices to Promote Brain Health

Several self-care practices can promote increased brain health while healing from emotional abuse. These include mindfulness, meditation or intentional focusing, and reality check anchoring. Reality check anchoring is simply listing the emotional and psychological effects of traumatic experiences to reaffirm them as real. This technique is highly effective for long-term victims of gaslighting.

Prolonged and early life abuse can dramatically alter the structure, chemistry, and functioning of the brain. Early interventions and support can minimize brain changes while optimizing long-term outcomes. If you are a victim of emotional abuse and want to stop the vicious cycle, seek help today!

---

In the broadest sense, disorderly conduct occurs when someone publicly behaves in a way that disturbs the peace or disrupts others, particularly in a reckless, knowing, or intentional fashion. Under disorderly conduct law, such behavior can result in criminal charges, leading to significant consequences, including jail time, depending on the severity of the offense.

Public intoxication

Public intoxication is among the most common forms of disorderly conduct. It also applies when someone tries to start a fight, whether it results in a physical altercation or not. Other textbook instances of disorderly conduct include disruptions to a lawful meeting or excessively unreasonable noise, particularly when the individual has been requested to stop but refuses. A charge of disorderly conduct can also arise from lewd behavior in a public area, which may lead to a disorderly conduct arrest by a law enforcement officer.

Beyond the basic criteria, disorderly conduct may include a broad range of actions. Some of these are open to interpretation, such as when someone’s behavior constitutes tumultuous conduct or when an amount of noise becomes unreasonable. The broadness of the definition means that disorderly conduct cases often require a tailored defense strategy from a skilled criminal defense attorney.

Misdemeanors

This type of criminal offense may be considered minor because of its commonplace nature. However, this doesn’t preclude the perpetrator from facing significant penalties. In some parts of the United States, the act falls under the classification of a gross misdemeanor or a class B misdemeanor, which can result in severe penalties. In other instances, it may be considered a felony, depending on the circumstances, and both classifications can lead to serious criminal charges.

Due to the broadness of its definition, disorderly conduct often comes into play as a catch-all crime when individuals act in an unruly fashion. It’s frequently used by law enforcement to maintain public order and keep the peace. For instance, a police officer may refer to this crime to deal with disruptive behavior that doesn’t necessarily present an immediate danger to others but still constitutes a breach of the peace.

If you are facing a disorderly conduct conviction, it’s crucial to consult with a criminal defense lawyer who understands criminal law and can protect your constitutional rights. A disorderly conduct attorney can help determine whether the charge of disorderly conduct is justified, especially if the behavior was in self-defense or fell within the boundaries of freedom of speech.

Defining Disorderly Conduct

Legal Definition

In general, disorderly conduct occurs when someone behaves in such a way that others are disturbed, disrupted or endangered.

Some of the most common forms of disorderly conduct include public intoxication, disturbing the peace and loitering. The crime also may apply due to an obstruction of traffic, rioting, use of obscene language or gestures or causing a situation that is hazardous or offensive.

Variations by Jurisdiction

What is considered disorderly conduct can depend upon where you are. In certain jurisdictions, it’s enough to be charged with public disorder if you don a mask in a public place due to the potential danger it presents to others when the wearer conceals their identity. This is the case in Florida, where anyone over the age of 16 who conceals their face in public with a hood, mask or other device can potentially face one of these charges.

Both the definition of disorderly conduct and the associated charges may vary depending on which state or country you are in. For example, Indiana defines the act based on the Model Penal Code.

Categories of Disorderly Conduct

Public disorder is generally categorized into violent and non-violent acts. This places the focus on the potential harm to a specific person, a group or the general public. It’s a clear way of showing whether there’s a risk of danger caused by the offendor or if they’re simply creating an unreasonable nuisance.

Non-Violent Acts

The most common examples of non-violent public disorder include public intoxication, loitering and disturbing the peace. These acts are considered non-violent because they don’t directly cause any physical harm to others.

Potentially Violent Acts

Examples of potentially violent acts include fights in public, threatening behavior and inciting a riot. These are situations where disorderly conduct can quickly escalate to violence.

Legal Consequences of Disorderly Conduct

Misdemeanor vs. Felony

Disorderly conduct is typically classified as a misdemeanor. However, there are circumstances under which it can be elevated to a felony. This is usually reserved for violent acts or repeat offenders. Incarceration may occur in more severe cases.

Potential Penalties

Disoderly conduct most commonly results in fines, community service or probation. In Washington state, for instnace, 90 days in jail is the maximum penalty for disorderly conduct and may also come with a fine of $1,000.

The disorderly conduct punishment in Illinois depends upon how the particular act is classified under the Illinois Compiled Statutes. As a misdemeanor, the punishment for the crime may be anywhere from 30 days to a year in prison.

Is Disorderly Conduct Considered a Violent Crime?

Legal Perspective

Legally, a violent crime means that the act was meant to hurt or kill others. With a non-violent crime, the offender had no intention to harm others and may have taken steps to make sure that didn’t happen.

A crime is classified as violent when physical force is used, attempted to be used or threatened against another person.

Factors Influencing the Classification

Context of the Behavior

Whether behavior constitutes disorderly conduct may depend heavily on the setting and circumstances. In some cases, even if no harm was caused, the intent behind a person’s actions may be enough to charge them.

Disturbing a funeral or any lawful assembly such as a public demonstration or a city hall public meeting is unlawful. Although the First Amendment protects the right to free speech, it does not protect those who speak out of turn and interrupt a public meeting.

Disorderly conduct can also occur when someone disrupts traffic if they don’t have lawful authority to do so. This may be because they haven’t secured a permit or have gone beyond the scope of the permit that they do have. If an act was committed in an airport, the perpetrator is more likely to be charged with a felony.

Law Enforcement Discretion

There is a significant impact of police judgment in categorizing and charging disorderly conduct since so much of the law surrounding the crime is open-ended. The parts of the law left up to the discretion of the law officers who respond to the situation can lead to a highly subjective process for how it is categorized and charged.

An offender’s prior criminal history and behavior during the incident may also have a strong influence on the way the crime is handled. If the individual is cooperative and has a clean record or minimal previous offenses, they tend to get off easier that someone who doesn’t.

Implications for Individuals Charged with Disorderly Conduct

Criminal Record

It’s important to note that a disorderly conduct charge comes with some long-term consequences. For one thing, the charge will stay on your criminal record for the rest of your life.

There may be a difference in impact depending on whether it was a violent or non-violent classification of public disorder. If the act involved violence, it’s likely to be taken more seriously and carry greater consequences that anyone who looks at your record will see.

Employment and Social Impact

Perpetrators of this crime may have to deal with a negative impact on job prospects. It may put you out of the running in a competitive professional environment, and some employers are hesitant to hire individuals with this kind of mark on their record at all. A history of disorderly conduct might also affect your social standing, and some offenders experience stigmatization.

Legal representation is highly recommended in these types of case since the law around disorderly conduct is notably broad and open to interpretation. If you have someone on your side who understands the law an dhow to navigate it, you may be able to reduce your sentence or potentially have the charges dropped altogether.

Preventive Measures and Public Awareness

Community Programs

There are myriad initiatives and crime prevention publications that have been created to reduce the incidents of disorderly conduct. These are meant to benefit both those who may commit such acts as well as the general public who might become victims.

These education and awareness campaigns help people understand the patterns that lead to public disorder as well as the locations and situations that increase one’s vulnerability to disorderly conduct. These campaigns and publications include methods to measure and assess the problem and build strategies to avoid it.

Legal Advice

If you ever are in the situation where you’ve been accused of disorderly conduct, you have the right to know what you’re being charged with. It’s important to learn what your options are from a legal perspective to minimize the consequences achieve the best possible outcome.

Whenever possible, it’s safer to avoid circumstances that could lead to disorderly conduct charges. The best way to stay clear of those situations is to be aware of what legally constitutes disorderly conduct in your jurisdiction.

Make sure you know the current law, and err on the side of caution. It also helps to learn how to peacefully diffuse contentious situations so that it doesn’t come to aggressive or threatening behavior.

Conclusion

It is prudent for individuals to educate themselves about what disorderly conduct encompasses so they can avoid charges. At the same time, it’s equally important that the law is clearly stated to encourage public awareness.

When people understand why public disorder is a crime and what makes it a crime, everyone gets to enjoy a safer and more peaceful society at large.

Individuals who are aware of the issue may be more likely to behave mindfully, have greater consideration for others’ safety and comfort and generally act in a responsible way while in public.

With an informed understanding of the law, the hope is that more people will behave peacefully and compassionately, which is something that everyone benefits from.

For more information on disorderly conduct or for immediate help on your recovery journey, call Illinois Recovery Center today.

---

Whether you’re a trauma survivor, know someone who had traumatic experiences, or work as a mental health professional, you understand that living through hardships can deeply affect people in a wide range of ways.

Each person’s brain has a unique perception of traumatic events accompanied by unique processing of emotions, thoughts, and actions. As a result, predicting an individual’s response to trauma is nearly impossible.

In today’s guide, we’re exploring common trauma responses. Is overthinking a trauma response? What causes it? How to recognize it? How to break free from it? We’ll answer these questions and more to help you cultivate a healthier mind and body.

What Is a Trauma Response?

When a person who has experienced a traumatic event perceives a threat, their brain will unconsciously respond to it in a certain way that translates their survival instincts and reflects how the trauma affected them.

This change is called a trauma response, and it often causes individuals to alter how they feel, think, behave, or react to their surroundings or other people.

Leaving trauma untreated and trauma responses unaddressed means they’ll grow more intense and tiring, harming the individual’s mental and physical health.

On the mental health fort, symptoms of unresolved trauma include agitation, anxiety, nervousness, low concentration, and depression. As for physical health, symptoms such as fatigue, weight loss, weight gain, and headaches may result from untreated trauma.

Trauma Response vs Trauma Symptom

A trauma response and a trauma symptom are two different things that manifest and progress differently depending on the individual and their trauma.

A trauma response typically happens quickly after something triggers a memory of the trauma, whereas a trauma symptom usually persists long after the traumatic incident.

Is Overthinking a Type of Trauma Response?

Yes, overthinking is one of the most common types of trauma responses. It’s also referred to as rumination, obsessive thoughts, and hyper-rationality.

Overthinking is a coping mechanism that people develop from an early stage in life, typically due to childhood trauma. Experiencing abuse, invalidation, or neglect as a child can push individuals into overthinking as a coping mechanism to have a sense of control and safety.

In other words, overthinking can be used as a means to protect oneself after experiencing trauma. It’s a known symptom of PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) and is mainly characterized by trapping the mind in a loop of negative or intrusive thoughts.

What Are Other Examples of a Trauma Response?

Besides overthinking, the following are examples of traumatic responses:

• Over-apologizing
• Hyper Independence
• Oversharing
• Overworking
• Constant apologizing
• Lack of Memory
• Isolation
• Lying
• Procrastination
• People-Pleasing
• Hoarding

What Causes Overthinking?

Overthinking results from the combination of trauma, fear, and uncertainty.

Traumatic experiences make the individuals who survive them more prone to overthinking, especially when it’s childhood trauma. The impact of distressing events that happen during those early years can last throughout the person’s life and affect their physical and mental health.

Examples of childhood trauma that may turn people into overthinkers range from events that seem less significant such as over-criticization, negligence, and lack of validation, to more seemingly serious ones such as abuse (physical, verbal, sexual, or emotional), subjection to tremendous loss, or witnessing violence.

Exposure to such events at a young age interferes with the development of the brain, causing psychological and emotional ramifications later on.

One of the most common consequences is the brain becoming wired for hyper-alertness as it’s always on the lookout for potential threats. The fixation on trying to plan everything to predict and avoid future danger enters the mind into a chronic cycle of repetitive negative thoughts.

Common Patterns of Overthinking

Different people manifest overthinking in various thought patterns that commonly include:

• Obsessing about the future: This type of chronic overthinking about the future typically causes feelings of nervousness/worry or worsens existing anxiety disorders.
• Obsessing about the past: Chronic overthinking about the past typically causes depressive symptoms or exacerbates existing depression.
• Catastrophizing: In this sort of thought pattern, individuals use incomplete or little information about a situation and jump into thinking of the worst-case scenarios that could happen.
• Personalization: Trauma survivors manifesting this thinking pattern tend to feel personally responsible or guilty for things that are out of their control.
• Black and white thinking: In this line of reasoning, people think in extremes. It’s either right or wrong, good or bad, left or right – completely ignoring the gray zone that often lies between two points.

How Does Trauma-Fueled Overthinking Affect Health?

Yes, chronic ruminating originating from traumatic events can have a significant impact on a person’s well-being.

When an analytical mind is too active, an individual’s mental health will suffer. They may isolate themselves as a way to avoid having to deal with emotional responses. They’re also likely to suffer from chronic stress, anxiety disorders, OCD (obsessive compulsive disorder), and depression.

Being stuck in a loop of recurring intrusive and negative thoughts can also affect the person’s physical health due to the overwhelming tension and stress. They may suffer from headaches, fatigue, digestive issues, muscle pain, disrupted sleep patterns, and insomnia.

Additionally, the consistent rise in the production of stress hormones (namely cortisol) can have a high risk of developing chronic high blood pressure, diabetes, and heart disease.

Conclusion: How To Overcome Overthinking Patterns?

The first step to break free from overthinking is to identify your overthinking pattern and recognize how it’s linked to childhood trauma.

From there, seeking therapy with a professional is essential for addressing the lingering trauma, exploring the root cause of your mental health condition, and learning healthy coping strategies.

Examples of therapy techniques for treating overthinking include cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), clinical hypnotherapy, Acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), and mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT).

Practicing self-awareness while nurturing your self-compassion and self-esteem is key to anchoring your mind to live the present moment and forgive past mistakes.

If you or your loved one is struggling with chronic overthinking and need support in overcoming trauma, don’t hesitate to reach out.

References

• https://www.apa.org/topics/trauma
• https://dmh.mo.gov/healthykids/providers/trauma
• https://www.psychologytoday.com/intl/blog/understanding-ptsd/202404/4-trauma-responses-that-may-be-hurting-your-relationships
• https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/post-traumatic-stress-disorder-ptsd
• https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK207191/

---

Aleve is one of the most commonly used medications out there because of its wide range of uses while not requiring a prescription to purchase.

In fact, the drug is often dubbed one of the safest pain medications used to treat various symptoms including headaches, menstrual cramps, muscle aches, and fever.

But despite its safety, they can interact with various drugs and cause serious side effects if you’re not careful. For example, combining Aleve and alcohol together is often regarded as safe despite causing several health problems.

Keep on reading to find out more about the risks associated with combining the two drugs and how they affect your health.

A Brief Overview of Aleve and How it Works

Aleve is a brand name for a well-known painkiller containing naproxen sodium as its active ingredient. The same active ingredient is present in competitor treatments, such as Naprosyn.

This active ingredient falls under the category of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, or (NSAIDs) for short.

These are a broad group of medications commonly used to manage pain relief and reduce inflammation, including popular drugs like acetaminophen (Tylenol), ibuprofen (Advil), etc.

Like many other drugs in this class, Aleve is available as an over-the-counter medication, also known as OTC drugs. This means you can buy and use it without needing a prescription from a doctor.

The main use of Aleve is to treat painful inflammation associated with rheumatoid arthritis, but its scope has extended to include a variety of minor health conditions and ailments, such as:

• Menstrual cramps
• Headaches and mild migraines
• Back pain
• Toothaches
• Joint pain and stiffness
• Fever-induced Muscle aches

Does Aleve Have Side Effects?

Although the pain reliever’s safety profile is one of its main selling points, it’s also worth noting that it can still have some side effects and adverse reactions. The good news is that most of these effects are rare and minor, including:

• Indigestion
• Constipation
• Nausea
• Bloating

The drug is also associated with riskier side effects like bleeding gums and chest pain. However, these are extremely rare and associated with allergic reactions to naproxen.

Besides the primary and secondary side effects, it can also interact with some other drugs, which results in undesired adverse reactions.

What Is the Mechanism of Action of Aleve?

As previously established, Naproxen belongs to the NSAID class of drugs. These medications work mainly by reducing the levels of prostaglandins, which are chemicals in the body involved in various functions, including inflammation, fever, and pain.

Naproxen functions through inhibiting a group of enzymes called cyclooxygenases or COXs. These enzymes are responsible for various processes, including the production of previously mentioned prostaglandins.

However, we have two main types of COX enzymes in our bodies, which are COX 1 and COX 2, each one of them has its own functions and properties.

COX 1 is found in various soft tissues of the body, including the intestine and stomach lining, and isn’t heavily associated with prostaglandins.

On the other hand, COX 2 is produced in response to injury or inflammation, as it’s the type of COX enzyme responsible for the production of prostaglandins that cause pain.

Naproxen is a non-selective inhibitor of COX enzymes, so it inhibits both type 1 and 2. This is why it can be effective in reducing pain, fever, and inflammation.

However, inhibiting COX 1 enzyme is why the drug is also associated with some unwanted side effects, such as stomach ulcers and heartburn.

How Does Alcohol Use Affect the Body?

Alcohol is one of the most commonly used CNS depressants. In other words, it slows down multiple brain functions, including reaction time, thinking patterns, speech, balance, and coordination.

The effects of alcohol consumption are almost immediate, as the liquid is quickly absorbed into the bloodstream where it crosses the blood-brain barrier.

That’s why even drinking minimal amounts of alcohol can make you experience drowsiness and impairment of judgment. This effect becomes more intense as you increase the amount of alcohol you consume.

Your liver starts breaking down alcohol right away, but it’s bound by a certain filtration limit. As a result, alcohol is one of the most common reasons behind liver damage and cirrhosis. This process can also be further slowed by other medications.

Beyond the liver, heavy and/or long-term drinking can lead to other problems. For example, it can raise your blood pressure and increase the risk of heart attacks. Additionally, it can also irritate the esophagus and stomach, causing stomach bleeding.

What Are the Risks Associated with Combining Aleve with Alcohol?

Using Aleve while drinking alcohol is generally not recommended and there’s a warning on the drug’s label not to use the two drugs at the same time. Here’s an in-depth look at the two main reasons why you should avoid this combination:

Gastrointestinal Bleeding

As previously established, gastrointestinal problems are among the most common side effects associated with both Aleve and alcohol.

For that reason, issues like stomach ulcers and irritation of the stomach lining can be the fastest adverse effects that result from combining the two drugs.

In fact, these ulcers can even develop into more serious problems, such as gastritis. Inflammation of the stomach is characterized by severe stomach pain, indigestion, and a high risk of gastric bleeding.

In rare cases, gastritis can even lead to extremely dangerous side effects, such as stomach cancer.

Increased Risk of Serious Liver Diseases

Aleve and alcohol both put stress on your liver and taking them together can significantly increase your risk of developing serious liver problems.

Both Aleve and alcohol need to be processed by your liver, either partially or mainly. The combination of the two drugs puts extra stress on your liver, which increases the rate of liver cell damage over time.

Of course, these adverse reactions can vary depending on your initial liver health. However, with increased alcohol consumption, liver damage becomes more prominent, which affects naproxen metabolism and leads to further toxicity.

Potential Kidney and Other Organ Damage

Your kidneys filter waste and keep your body’s fluids balanced. Although alcohol is mainly metabolized by the liver, it still causes a massive impact on the health of your renal system.

For starters, alcohol can throw off your electrolytes balance, which are minerals your body needs to stay healthy.

Additionally, it can disrupt your body’s acid-base balance, which not only affects your gastrointestinal system but also the blood’s pH level.

Moreover, as previously mentioned, alcohol makes you severely dehydrated by increasing urination. The lack of fluids during filtration puts a lot of extra work on the kidneys, especially if you already suffer from kidney problems.

Meanwhile, most NSAIDs, including Aleve, are processed mainly by the kidneys. The disruption of alcohol, combined with the strain of drugs on kidney functions, can result in renal damage and even renal failure.

Renal failure can lead to further organ damage and may even develop into cardiovascular issues like high blood pressure and heart failure, as the two systems are heavily linked.

Is Aleve a Suitable Hangover Medication?

One of the most annoying side effects of overdoing alcohol is suffering from hangovers as the drug wears off. This severe headache and extreme weakness are the result of dehydration, disrupted sleep, and inflammation.

For that reason, many people might consider using Aleve as a treatment for hangovers. But as previously mentioned, combining Aleve and alcohol usually comes with unwanted side effects, and since alcohol is usually still present in your system during a hangover, it’s best to avoid the drug altogether and use other remedies, such as hydration.

Why Do Many People Use the Two Drugs Together?

As a general rule, you should separate Alcohol and alcohol to avoid the unwanted side effects of combining them.

Since it takes around 12 to 24 hours for either drug to be fully eliminated from your body, this should be the ideal waiting time between them.

That being said, a wide range of other factors can also affect this waiting time, either by extending or shortening it. For example, those with reduced liver or kidney performance should wait up to 36 hours to ensure complete elimination before consuming alcohol or Aleve.

It’s also worth noting that individuals suffering from compromised liver are advised against consuming any alcohol at all, so make sure that you consult a qualified healthcare professional if you suspect any signs of liver problems.

Are There Alternatives to Aleve?

If you want to avoid the risk of stomach bleeding associated with Aleve, you may switch to acetaminophen while treating minor pain.

However, you should note that Tylenol and other acetaminophen-containing medications are mainly metabolized by the liver, so you should still avoid taking these drugs while under the influence of alcohol.

Final Thoughts: Seeking Alcohol Addiction Treatment in Illinois

In addition to the risks associated with combining alcohol with Aleve, you should note that excessive drinking has the potential for addiction as alcoholism is one of the most prevalent forms of substance abuse across the nation.

If you or a loved one is struggling with alcohol addiction, don’t hesitate to contact Illinois Recovery Center to receive immediate support.

---

If you’re feeling stuffy and uncomfortable, Sudafed can be a brilliant remedy to clear up your nasal congestion, and the best part is that it doesn’t require a prescription like many antihistamines.

That being said, a prescription-free medication can still have negative consequences if not used properly. For instance, you should be careful not to mix sudafed with some other drugs, including alcohol.

In today’s guide, we’ll take an in-depth look at Sudafed, covering all the potential effects of mixing it with alcohol. Let’s dive right in!

A Brief Overview of Sudafed and How it Works

Understanding what Sudafed is and how it works is essential for other information in this guide. So let’s start with a brief round-up of the drug.

Sudafed is one of the most popular brand names for pseudoephedrine, an over-the-counter (OTC) active ingredient used to treat a variety of symptoms, including:

• Sinus issues
• Nasal congestion
• Common colds
• Fever
• Asthma

As a natural stimulant, the drug exerts its nasal-relieving effects by constricting the blood vessels supplying the nasal passage. This results in reducing the congestion and swelling of the sinuses, which causes the “cleared nose” sensation after using the drug.

What makes pseudoephedrine unique is that, unlike many other stimulants, its side effects are quite milder.

In other words, it can still cause high blood pressure, rapid breathing, tachycardia (increased heart rate), and tremors. Yet, these effects are much less likely to manifest while using the safe dose of the drug and without mixing it with other drugs.

Still, since it can be used to manufacture stronger stimulants, such as amphetamines and methamphetamines, there are various restrictions regarding its purchase across the United States.

How Does Alcohol Affect Our Bodies?

Now that we’ve covered Sudafed, here’s a quick look at alcohol from a chemical point of view, and how it impacts the body.

Alcohol is a strong chemical that affects nearly every organ in your body, and contrary to popular belief, alcohol is actually a central nervous system depressant, not a stimulant.

Once you consume alcohol, it travels from your stomach and small intestine into your bloodstream. From there, it reaches your entire body, including your brain.

Alcohol disrupts the communication between brain cells, which can impair your judgment, coordination, and speech. It can also lead to memory problems, drowsiness, and blackouts due to severe intoxication.

It also has potent effects on various organs of the body, especially the liver, which is responsible for metabolizing alcohol. In fact, heavy drinking can lead to conditions like alcohol poisoning and cirrhosis.

Additionally, the side effects of alcohol are far-reaching and can impact a wide range of organs across the body, including:

• Heart: Can lead to high blood pressure and other heart problems
• Nervous system: Drinking alcohol excessively leads to permanent nerve cell damage, leading to impaired mental health
• Compromised immune system: Extreme alcohol use can weaken your immune system, making you more susceptible to infections.
• Organ damage: Besides the liver, alcohol can also affect other organs of the body, such as the pancreas (causing pancreatitis) and the stomach (causing severe irritation of the stomach lining)

Due to excessive alcohol interactions with other compounds, mixing alcohol with other drugs often leads to an increased risk of side effects in addition to worsening them.

Is It Safe to Mix Sudafed and Alcohol?

While Sudafed and alcohol won’t necessarily cause a severe adverse reaction, mixing them is still generally discouraged for several reasons. Here’s a quick look at some of the main reasons why you shouldn’t combine them:

Alcohol Reduces the Effectiveness of Sudafed

Since one drug is a stimulant and the other is a depressant, it’s no surprise that the two drugs go in the opposite direction when it comes to their effects on the body.

In fact, several studies have shown that alcohol consumption can directly contribute to nasal congestion, which defeats the decongestant properties of Sudafed and reduces its overall effectiveness.

Higher Risks of Manifested Side Effects

While the two drugs possess different effects on the body, they can still amplify certain side effects of each other.

For example, both substances can induce drowsiness and dizziness, and taking them together can significantly worsen these effects. This can be dangerous if it impairs your coordination or reaction time, increasing the risk of accidents or falls.

Similarly, Sudafed can cause a rise in heart rate and blood pressure. Alcohol can have a similar effect, and combining them can put additional strain on your cardiovascular system.

Sudafed Can Mask the Symptoms of Drug Intoxication

One of the dangers of mixing Sudafed and alcohol is that Sudafed can hide the effects of intoxication caused by alcohol.

As previously established, alcohol slows down the central nervous system, producing a sense of inebriation. Meanwhile, the stimulant properties of Sudafed have a counteracting effect, making you feel more alert.

This can be misleading because you might continue drinking even though you’re already significantly intoxicated, which can lead to serious complications including life-threatening alcohol poisoning

Other Common Drug Interactions with Sudafed

Sudafed can interact with several other medications, which can cause a wide range of adverse effects or reduce their effectiveness. Here’s a quick look at them:

Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors

The most serious interaction of Sudafed is with MAO inhibitors, which function as sedatives, antidepressants, and treatments for Parkinson’s disease. This group includes various drugs, mainly phenelzine or tranylcypromine.

Combining the two medications can lead to a massive spike in blood pressure, and the problem here is that MAO inhibitors last for weeks in your system, so you have to wait longer before taking potentially interacting drugs.

Tricyclic Antidepressants

These are another group of antidepressants that work by affecting serotonin levels in the brain. Taking Sudafed with tricyclic antidepressants can increase the risk of insomnia and anxiety during the treatment course.

That’s why seeking medical advice to treat nasal congestion while using tricyclic antidepressants is essential

Alpha Blockers

Alpha-blockers are mainly used to treat enlarged prostate in men. Using Sudafed while on alpha blockers can increase urine retention, which reduces the effectiveness of the drug.

Sleep Medications

Since Sudafed is a stimulant, it can counteract the effect of many sedatives and sleep medications used to treat insomnia.

Some of these drugs also have an addictive potential upon misuse, which increases the risk of dependence when patients increase the dose on their own to counteract the effect of Sudafed.

Other Stimulants

Combining various stimulants can increase the effects of the drugs even more than the individual sum of the effectiveness of each drug. This is known as synergism and is widely common among drugs of the same functionality.

The problem here is that too much stimulant can result in exacerbated side effects, such as increased alertness, irritability, insomnia, and heart problems.

When to Consume Alcohol Before and After Using Sudafed?

As a general rule, it’s best to avoid alcohol altogether while taking Sudafed, as mixing them can cause a wide range of side effects and interactions that we’ve previously discussed.

For that reason, you need to wait anywhere between 24 to 36 hours until the effects of one drug are completely worn off before taking the other.

Keep in mind that this waiting period may extend if you use sustained-release versions of Sudafed. That’s why it’s always best to err on the side of caution and consult a doctor or a pharmacist for the ideal waiting time for your situation.

What to Do If You Consumed Alcohol and Sudafed?

If you accidentally consumed alcohol and Sudafed, here’s what to do. First and most importantly, you shouldn’t panic. This is because in most cases, consuming a moderate amount of alcohol with a single dose of Sudafed won’t cause a severe reaction.

Be aware of how you’re feeling, and look out for any signs of adverse reaction, such as increased dizziness, drowsiness, or a rise in heart rate.

If you experience any discomfort or these symptoms start worsening, seek medical attention immediately.

Of course, you should stop consuming any alcohol and try to purge it by drinking plenty of water. Staying hydrated is essential to help both substances leave your body quicker.

Once you’ve established you’re okay with no severe side effects, you may want to get some rest in a safe environment while keeping your loved ones informed to keep an eye on you.

Seeking Alcohol Addiction Treatment in Illinois

While responsible alcohol consumption can be fine as long as it stays in moderation, you should always be aware and cautious of its dangers, especially when you end up mixing it with medications like Sudafed.

You should also note that alcohol is a highly addictive substance that can significantly impact a person’s health, relationships, and overall well-being.

If you or someone you know is struggling with alcohol dependence in Illinois, Illinois Recovery Center is here to help.

Contact us to book a consultation session with an expert to help you start your journey towards abstinence.

---

Despite being relatively new, ketamine therapy for treatment-resistant depression is already gaining massive popularity. Back in 2015, there were around 60 ketamine clinics operating in the US. By early 2024, the number had jumped up to more than 1,000.

More and more people are trying to get their hands on an infusion or a nasal spray—so much so that the US ketamine clinics market is expected to reach $6.9 billion by 2030. That would be a growth of 10.63% CAGR from its 2023 valuation!

Can a new treatment option bring in that much money? How much is ketamine therapy on average?

Read on to find out the average prices for different ketamine products, the additional expenses, and the main risks to watch out for.

Spravato Sprays vs. Ketamine Infusions: Quick Overview

Before we get to the pricing details, we need to cover one caveat: ketamine isn’t approved by the FDA for the treatment of depression or any psychiatric disorder, for that matter.

So far, its sole approved use is as a dissociative anesthetic. In fact, the FDA has issued a warning against off-label use (more on that later) for psychiatric disorders.

Yet, a lot of clinics in the US still provide ketamine infusion for depression, OCD, PTSD, and other mental health issues. Some even use the drug as a treatment for chronic pain.

Things get even more complicated when you consider that there’s a slightly different option on the market.

We won’t dig deep into the scientific jargon, but you need to know that ketamine is actually a mixture of two enantiomers (a fancy name for molecules that are mirror images of each other). These molecules are called R-ketamine (arketamine) and S-ketamine (esketamine).

A vial of ketamine hydrochloride contains both enantiomers. However, esketamine alone is sold under the name Spravato, which is FDA-approved for treatment-resistant depression (TRD).

Here’s a quick comparison between the two treatments:

	Ketamine	Esketamine
Brand Name	Ketalar	Spravato
Route of Administration	Intravenous (IV) infusion	Nasal spray
Use	Anesthetic (TRD off-label)	TRD (with oral antidepressant)
DEA Scheduling	Schedule III Controlled Substance	Schedule III Controlled Substance
Antidepressive Effect	Kicks in within 1 hour	Takes 2–4 hours to kick in
Typical TRD Treatment Plan	Six infusions, followed by boosters	Four-week induction, then maintenance doses
Requires Supervision	Yes	Yes
Insurance Coverage	Usually not covered	Might be covered

Average Cost of Different Ketamine Therapy Options

Outpatient clinics that provide ketamine treatments typically operate on a fee-for-service arrangement. The facilities are run by healthcare providers who source the infusions/sprays and provide them on-site.

However, the prices can vary drastically from one clinic to another.

Here are some insights into the average cost for the different types of ketamine treatments:

IV Ketamine Infusions

A single ketamine infusion therapy can set you back $400 or more.

Some people report that each infusion in Boston costs $600. In other areas, ketamine clinics charge as much as $800 or even $1,000 per session!

Even at a $450–500 price point, the total cost of a six-infusion treatment plan can run as high as $4,500 when you factor in the pretreatment consultation and follow-up fees.

Note that some clinics set different prices for mental health patients and neuropathic pain patients.

It’s also worth noting that since ketamine infusion treatment isn’t even FDA-approved for mood disorders and mental health conditions, most insurance companies won’t cover the treatment costs.

So, that’s all money you’ve got to pay out of pocket.

Intranasal Ketamine Sprays

The typical esketamine treatment plan using drugs like Spravato calls for

• Weeks 1–4: Two doses per week for the induction month.
• Weeks 5–8: One maintenance dose per week.
• Weeks 9 and later: One maintenance dose every week or two, based on clinical judgment.

The induction month alone can easily cost you $4,800 or $6,800. The cost of the maintenance therapy, however, is somewhere around $1,200 to $3,600 per month.

That said, it’s possible to find an insurance plan that covers esketamine treatments. Get in touch with your insurance provider to check the details.

There’s also the Spravato withME support program. If you’re eligible, the medication costs could drop to $10. But, of course, there are maximum benefit limits for the savings program.

At-Home Ketamine Therapies

Not all ketamine therapies are done inside clinics. Some providers offer a sort of mail-order alternative that the patient then self-administers at home.

At-home therapies are often cheaper than IV infusions and nasal sprays offered at clinics. You could get enough medication for one session for less than $200. Some companies also pair their services with telehealth evaluations.

However, there are questions about the safety of at-home ketamine therapy.

With on-site nasal spray sessions, you have a medical professional there to monitor you for any side effects and negative reactions. That’s not guaranteed with at-home alternatives.

Plus, there’s the issue of taking more than the recommended dose, either accidentally or intentionally.

Extra Expenses to Consider Before Starting Ketamine Therapy

The session itself can be pretty pricey, but you might have to pay more for:

Other Prescribed Medications

TRD patients might need to take antidepressants along with the ketamine therapy. In fact, Spravato sprays are approved to be used only in conjunction with an oral antidepressant.

For reference, a 30-day supply of antidepressants can cost anywhere from $228 to $1,200+, depending on the type and dosing.

Psychotherapies

Medication (ketamine and/or antidepressants) alone might not cut it. The healthcare provider usually recommends sticking to some form of follow-up therapy session, and these aren’t particularly cheap, either.

In a clinic where the ketamine treatment costs $750, the therapy might be priced at around $250.

Boosters

Some people finish 6–8 sessions of ketamine therapy and don’t need to come back again.

Others notice that the symptoms start coming back after a while. In this case, they’ll need booster infusions, which can add up over time.

5 Reasons to Reconsider Ketamine Therapy

Even if you put the high price points aside, there are still concerns that can easily make ketamine therapy seem like a less-than-ideal choice.

Here are some things to consider before deciding if this treatment is the best option for you:

1. FDA Warning

In 2023, the FDA released a warning regarding ketamine products, including oral formulations.

The warning makes it clear that the FDA is aware that people are using compounded ketamine products for psychiatric disorders. The administration just doesn’t support these off-label uses.

After all, their safety and efficacy haven’t been evaluated yet.

2. Side Effects

There are a lot of side effects associated with ketamine use in general, including:

• High blood pressure
• Respiratory depression
• Bladder pain (and possibly incontinence)
• Stomach pain
• Problems with concentration and memory
• Disorientation and imbalance

3. Abuse Potential

Ketamine can be addictive. This is often a bigger concern with at-home therapies, where there’s no supervision.

4. Repeated Dosing and Effectiveness Drops

Another concern with ketamine therapy is that some patients will need larger doses over time. Otherwise, the treatment won’t be as effective.

As a result, the healthcare professional following up with the case might need to spread and taper treatments carefully.

5. Co-Existing Conditions

Finally, ketamine therapy isn’t for everyone. That’s not only because some patients don’t respond well to the treatment but also because the drug should be avoided altogether (or at least used with extreme caution) in some cases.

Take Spravato, for instance. It shouldn’t be used if the patient has certain health issues like aneurysmal vascular disease or a history of intracerebral hemorrhage.

Meanwhile, a patient with a history of psychosis or an active substance use disorder can be fully excluded from ketamine therapy.

Alternative Options for Treatment-Resistant Depression

When someone is diagnosed with TRD, their primary care provider might alter the medication strategy by switching antidepressants, changing doses, and so on. They’ll likely recommend psychotherapy if the patient isn’t seeing anyone as well.

So, ketamine and esketamine are hardly the first-choice therapies for depression.

What other options are there?

Aside from ketamine, the healthcare provider could resort to other treatment options like vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) and repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS).

Before You Start Treatment: Final Thoughts on Ketamine Therapy

There are still concerns with ketamine therapy in terms of FDA approvals, administration, and even pricing. The protocols could vary from one clinic to the next, and the prices fluctuate as well.

If you decide that the therapy is suitable for you, we recommend consulting your primary care provider before going in for your first infusion or treatment session.

Then, when you’re choosing a clinic, make sure to consider more than just the pricing. Don’t hesitate to ask about the success rate, treatment areas, follow-up therapies, evaluation strategies, and staff qualifications.

Hopefully, scientific research will keep providing us with safe, effective, and affordable treatments for conditions like treatment-resistant depression and PTSD.

Additional Resources

• DEA’s Ketamine Drug Fact Sheet
• Spravato (Esketamine) Patient Brochure
• Johns Hopkins Medicine: Next Steps for Treatment-Resistant Depression (TRD)
• A figure to visualize the difference between the two ketamine enantiomers

---